Production Photography by Paul Kolnik
incredible dancing and singing which brings such joy to the audiences. There has been nothing more wonderful then transforming this classic into a song and dance extravaganza combined with all of the great humor from the film...often verbatim. On occasion, we’ve had audience members scream the lines from there seats before we had a chance to say them; uhh . . . not recommended! ;-)
The Rage Monthly: You are currently playing the role of Frau Blucher which was originally immortalized by the legendary, Cloris Leach- man. What was it like to fill those shoes? Joanna Glushak: Well, you can’t really think about filling
anyone else’s shoes. I watched the movie to get an overall sense of the character. Then I had to get past her portrayal; although, I must admit Cloris Leachman is an incredible actress and for me a lot of the things she did felt right, so right that I had no choice but to steal them. Fortunately, they don’t look the same on someone else’s interpretation anyway. There’s an old saying in the biz . . . “Only steal from the best.”
Rage: The character of Frau Blucher is quite outlandish, what have you most enjoyed about playing this character? JG: I love playing outlandish characters, the crazier the better and this is a dream role for a character actress.
Rage: Which do you like better—the film or musical version and why? JG: Of course, the musical version is better! Actually, I love them both. The movie is absolutely a hysterical classic, but the stage show gives you all of that but adds live music,
Rage: What do you enjoy most about performing in a live musical? JG: There is nothing more exhilarating then performing
live as an actress, singer and dancer! There is something indescribable that happens when singing and performing a number, whether it be singing or dancing. That is the best high in the world coupled with the audience
reaction...it’s phenomenal. And of course, being in a comedy and hear- ing the audience laugh and get the jokes; takes an actor to another level. The cast loves the challenge of seeing if we can get it to happen the next night... and the next and...well, you get it!
Rage: I look forward to seeing the opening night at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. How long did it take you to perfect the accent of Frau Blucher? JG: As far as the accent goes, I was recently in another
show in which I had to do a German accent, so I was well prepared for this. I love doing accents because it allows me to completely transform myself. Generally, I listen to a tape or watch a movie with a similar character doing a similar accent and that’s how I get it. To be honest, dialects come pretty easily for me.
Rage: What is it like to be a part of this wacky ensemble and production? JG: Sometimes I wish the audience could be on stage with us to really know just how silly we actually are. Doing this show is hard work, but for a bunch of comedians it is one of the greatest joys to try to crack each other up on stage! We diabolically try to get some- one to completely lose it on stage, hopefully to break character, perhaps to stop the show and then to be in a position to have to pull ourselves back together. Well, it’s fun as long as I’m not the one. Alas, I have been the target many times.
Rage: Very reminiscent of the Carole Burnett show. You’ve been in quite a few Broadway shows. Which is your favorite? JG: Honestly, I have loved almost every show I have
performed in, each for different reasons. There were a couple that I didn’t enjoy so much, but I am not going say which ones. For the most part, when a show is not pleasant, it’s usually because the people I’m working with do not get along well. I have always loved the chal- lenge of every show and 95 percent of the casts and crews have been wonderful. Camaraderie is such an important element of every show and no matter what my goal is to make each one my favorite and always have lots of fun in the theater while working my rear end off!
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN runs September 12 through 25 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: 714.556.2787 or
ocpac.org
SEPTEMBER 2010 | RAGE monthly 19
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